How Opiates Affect The Heart And Other Vital Organs

Opiates like heroin, morphine, and oxycontin can be addictive and are a part of a growing drug abuse problem in the United States. When used for a long period of time, these drugs can cause significant damage to the immune system. Addicts have a higher risk of infectious disease, decreased brain function, and problems with body organs. Since they are extremely addictive, most patients have to be weaned off of opiates before they follow a drug rehabilitation program. Since 1995, there has been a 35 percent increase in hospital admissions for heroin abuse. Out of all drug-related deaths, heroin and morphine are listed in the top four. Although heroin use peaked in 1996, 1997, and 2000, it is still a major problem among American students.

Short-Term Effects

Even if someone has only taken a single dose of an opiate, they may experience a sense of euphoria and dry mouth. Other symptoms include feelings of heaviness in extremities and flushed skin. Often, users switch between drowsy and wakeful states of mind. As users become addicted, many switch to injecting opiates since the effect is faster than with snorting. If opiates like morphine are snorted, it can cause vascular inflammation and permanent damage. Pieces of the pill may become lodged within a smaller blood vein and block off the blood supply to a segment of the body.

Long-Term Symptoms

Individuals who chronically use opiates may develop cellulitis or collapsed veins. The heart gradually becomes more prone to infections within the lining and valves. Heroin users have to face pulmonary complications like depressed respiration or pneumonia. Over a longer time period, many individuals will develop problems with their kidneys, liver, and lungs. These effects are worsened if the drug is purchased off the street. Many street drugs are made out of toxic additives. These harmful chemicals are difficult for a body that is weakened by drug use to flush from its system. Within the mind, opiates immediately begin to rewire the pleasure centers within the brain. They change the reward system of the mind so that it needs more drugs in order to fill the same level of well-being. When someone tries to quit, the sudden withdrawal may be fatal if they are in poor health. Due to this, most opiate abusers must seek medical treatment if they want to recover from their drug abuse problem. Opiates also change how the nerve cells work with the spinal cord, brain, and limbic system. As nerve cells grow accustomed to opiates, they send out a signal to receptors within the brain. Once the drug wears off, the brain will gradually start to function more normally.

If opiates are used for a long time, it can permanently change how the mind works. Opiate addiction can lead to abscesses in the skin, bacterial infections, or scarred veins. If needles are shared, it can increase the chances of someone contracting HIV or Hepatitis B. Kidney disease, liver disease, arthritis, and brain damage may also be a result of addiction. Some patients may experience cell death in their vital organs or clogged blood vessels. Opiates include drugs like morphine, codeine, heroin, and oxycontin. The basic element of opiates is derived from the poppy plant. If someone wants to kick their opiate addiction, they should seek medical help. Alternative treatments like methadone can help patients to get rid of their drug addiction and avoid serious withdrawal problems. However, one must be careful with methadone treatment as it can be addictive also. New drugs like buprenorphine have also been shown to reduce withdrawal symptoms while naltrexone can block someone’s ability to enjoy opiates. The key to recover is seeking treatment getting medical help the drug rehab professionals before long-term side effects develop.